The DNP-NP

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In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) released a position paper recommending the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, as the graduate degree for advanced-practice nurses (APNs) entry to practice. While doctoral preparation in nursing has evolved greatly, there remain a number of issues and controversies surrounding the DNP degree specifically, and several factors impacting the credibility and viability of the degree, which will be analyzed. It is important to clarify that the DNP is an academic title, not a role. The recommendation of the AACN is that the DNP become the degree for all APNs, each of whom have different roles. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the role of the nurse practitioner (NP). …show more content…
Lastly, there are continuing challenges to NP practice in today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment. DNP degree preparation, as it specifically applies to the enhancement of the role of the NP, in light of these challenges, in addition to the AACN’s, The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, are explored. Providing background and context, identifying barriers and challenges, and exploring possible solutions to ameliorate these barriers, is the focus of this paper.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Background and History Though doctoral prepared nurses have been in existence since the 1900’s, most doctoral degrees earned by nurses were not specific to nursing, but rather degrees in education or science, which were in addition to their nursing education (Zaccagnini & Waud White, 2017). The first doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in nursing was created in 1934, a single program offered by New York University; another program was not created until the 1950’s (Chism, 2010). It was not until the 1970’s that nursing PhD’s or
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345), again, creating confusion within the profession, and among other healthcare professionals. To address this issue, the AACN published The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2006), which clearly outlines, “foundational outcome competencies deemed essential for all graduates of a DNP program, regardless of specialty or functional focus” (AACN, 2006, p. 8). The widespread adoption of these essentials within DNP degree programs will aid in specifying what exactly DNP education and preparation is. In addition, widespread adoption of The Consensus Model (APRN Consensus Work Group and the National State Boards of Nursing APRN Advisory Committee, 2008) would be a “significant step toward promoting nationwide consistency and quality among all APRN programs and their graduates” (Rounds et al., 2013, p. 345). The goal of the Consensus Model is to create a national standard for APNs, which will diminish confusion about DNP educational preparation and certification. Used in conjunction with the AACNs essentials, the Consensus Model would help greatly in clarifying and giving credibility to the DNP practice, in whichever of the APN roles they